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Aspects of the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in badgers and cattle. I. The prevalence of infection in two wild animal populations in south-west England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 March 2010

P. A. Barrow
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Microbiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
J. Gallagher
Affiliation:
Veterinary Investigation Centre, Elmbridge Court, Cheltenham Road, Gloucester
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The prevalence of infections caused by Mycobacterium bovis was estimated in two populations of wild animals in the south west of England. A variety of mammalian species was trapped on farm land where incidents of infection with tuberculosis had occurred in cattle. Bacteriological analysis of lymph node samples and lesions showed that the only animals acting as a reservoir for M. bovis were badgers. Examination of arthropod ectoparasites of infected badgers proved negative for M. bovis and suggests that these are unlikely to act as vectors in transmission of the disease.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981

References

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